All The Bull: Suddenly, there is news!

By: Dave Martinez | January 6th, 2009

Good Morning,

Does anyone else feel like this is the absolutely worst and most boring transfer season, post Becks era? Wow. Talk about a snoozer. Anyone who thought that the signing of Golden Balls would mean an influx of better, older talent (the Figo’s and Zidane’s of the world), sorry. You lose. (and I am in that group of losers with you)

It doesn’t mean there isn’t any news to report on though! So, like your morning paper, I give you today’s newsworthy headlines:

- Tribal Football quotes Jeff Agoos on the proceeding Van Den Bergh / Angel negotiations, where he confidently gives a positive spin to both men’s situation. Give it a read.

- Matt Kassell. So many have already reported on his elongated drama with Red Bull, the Academy et al. Well, we can stifle the talk for a while, as Kassell has decided to stay a Terp through his sophmore year. And in case you were wondering, RBNY helped in the decision, heavily influenced by the decimation of the reserve league. Regardless, its a good move for Kassell. I hate to sound like a commercial, but an education is a horrible thing to waste. Though Kassell is projected to make a great potential impact in MLS, the fact is that life is too short to gamble away a sure thing. Put away your Kassell folder for one more year folks; the book is closed for now.

- I remember speaking to Andrew Boyens after the interview we had a few months ago, and I bought up Diego Jimenez and how, at the time, he was being unfairly judged by Osorio and the fans for one or two bonehead plays out of a million brilliant ones. Boyens nearly flat out said Jimenez was potentially the best CB in their stable. I agreed wholeheartedly, and the man showed it in the playoffs. Well, Jimenez just helped his Tecos side get a step closer to the next round, with the lone goal in a 1-0 win against Morelia. Luckily, I caught the goal while flipping through Monday Night Raw and the History Channel. Diego, you will be missed pal. And like many past Metro’s, you will become a scoring machine. Thanks.

- Have you had your fill of FC Barcelona the past few years? Well, not me. And Barca is already sending out early feelers towards the US as the speculation for another preseason exhibition tour may be in the books.

- Finally, some nerdy but exciting news. US Club Soccer is forming regional divisions of elite u14-u15 teams, to further support the growth of the professional leagues within the country. Red Bull Academy has been asked to be the first member of the North East division, which will include 12 of the regions powerhouse teams. RBA already participates in the higher age divisions, but the expansion to include these younger teams only expands upon the opportunity for growth and success of soccer in this country. Like I said, nerdy, but exciting stuff.

That’s what is up for today. You can reach me on my Facebook (thanks for all the adds guys!) or my email on the side. btw – my Facebook has new pics up today, of MLS Cup. Enjoy. And Have a great day.

img credit: usatoday.com